METRO-NORTH RAILROAD COMMUTER COUNCIL
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 18, 2012
A meeting of the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC) was convened at 4:30 p.m. on October 18, 2011, in the 5th Floor Board Room, MTA Headquarters, 347 Madison Avenue, New York City. The following members were present:
James Blair Richard Cataggio
David Buchwald Randy Glucksman
The following members were absent:
Francis Corcoran Rhonda Herman
Neal Zuckerman
In addition, the following persons were present:
William Henderson -PCAC Executive Director
Jan Wells -PCAC Associate Director
Ellyn Shannon -PCAC Transportation Planner
Holly Haff -Metro-North
Approval of Agenda and Minutes
The agenda for the October 18, 2012 meeting was approved. The minutes of August 9, 2012 meeting were approved.
Chair’s Report
Randy Glucksman wanted to know what is configuration of Purdy’s. He wanted to know what the configuration was.
David Buchwald stated that there are locals and nursing home employees who have taken the stairs. They now have to follow the automotive route.
Board Report
Jim Blair stated that no ______________available for data to be presented at October meeting. OTP remains at 97.9%, according to Mark Mannix.
Also, RRIF loan has been approved. Reduced interest rate, repayment not required until
Comment stating that there are two elevators in Biltmore Room. For ESA – $15m addition – Avoided initially for budgetary reasons. Staff Summary says that alternative of not constructing would lose many benefits.
ESA summary – confirms that project is on target for August 2019 completion $8 ¼ B, $187m __________________, $10m ______________this summer.
Customer Satisfaction Survey – Better scores 93% satisfied/very satisfied.
88% satisfaction on NH – but new cars are being delivered and ________________ is being renewed, these are likely to raise satisfaction.
Ridership – Reverse peak still has not fully recovered
____________________ Journal News wrap – MNR ad on new service
___________ Program underway to replace escalators that are under performing. Discussion of issue – _______________advertising policy at September Board meeting. Also – a change to Board schedule, only 8 meetings per year with two Chairman Forums. Also MNR and LIRR committees are split, except for two joint meetings per year. Bus and Transit combined, security disbarded.
Fare Hearings – Bronx, Yonkers, Newburgh – Needs of __________________ riders are not being taken into account. During my (_____) briefing one member made a ______________________case for holding down fares for those of least means. This member also spoke about fares being a__________________ to use the railroads.
Grand Central Terminal Centennial _____________ See handout for summary.
Holly Haff stated that she was grateful for MNRCC efforts. She will help connect commuters to the terminal.
Randy Glucksman – Woh – ______________ Light repaired as well as door – A week ago, train was five minute slate.. Reason was slow speed order that was issued in error by NJ Transit. Also, Mr. Glucksman stated that he was on train with hot and cold car. Problem with collector. Conductor started and stopped air conditioning. On return trip, car inspector did repairs, but car was taken out of service.
Fare Hearings – David – last time, came out against fare increase, because only riders asked to pay.
Mr. Glucksman stated he would like to _____________ for family fare and oppose rider being sole support – can ask for things.
____________ Rider should participate in funding system, but this should be keyed to inflation rate.
David Buchwald wanted to know what NYCT changes will impact MNR and Bee Line Riders.
Mr. Henderson – Time based cards will be impacted directly, Bee Line will possibly raise fare for compatibility $1.00 card fee will apply only where there is a way to refill cards.
Mr. Blair stated that when these ________ proposals are made, we have opportunity to ask for
Mr. Buchwald stated that the increase in NY unemployment will affect regional economy. Worry that MTA is _______________________ 7.5 yield increases in spite of economic conditions.
Mr. Blair – For is a major issue
Rich Cataggio suggest to send out an email – Should also have an ______________ idea – park – T
Mr. Blair Mr. Glucksman – Last month’s monthly tickets being good until noon _____________.
Mr. Buchwald suggest send an email, solicit ideas. If MNR fares are to be increased, what can we demand in return.
Mr. Blair commented that Mr. Lhota said that when it comes to subsidy, the railroads are more subsidized than subways.
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment
At 6:00 PM the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
William Henderson, Executive Director